Damascus - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad called into question the seriousness of Israel's efforts to make peace in the Middle East on Sunday, saying the country must prove its intentions by action.

Speaking at a gathering of Arab parliamentarians in Damascus, al- Assad said that Israel's current participation in indirect talks with Syria that are being mediated by Turkey are "just a tactic, not a strategic decision for peace."

Syria and Israel have recently held four rounds of talks through Turkish intermediaries, without significant progress.

Al-Assad said that Israel should prove that it wants peace by withdrawing from all Arab territory, and said that Syria would continue to support the Palestinians in their legitimate "struggle" for their own state.

Israel and the US have accused Syria of sabotaging the Middle East peace process through its support of Palestinian militant organizations. (dpa)